Helldivers 2 loses 90% of its PC player base in just five months

In a shocking turn of events, Helldivers 2, the top-down shooter from Arrowhead Game Studios, has seen a drastic decline in its PC player base, with a staggering 90% of players abandoning the game in just five short months.

Released in June of this year, Helldivers 2 was initially met with positive reviews from critics and players alike, with many praising its fast-paced action, colorful graphics, and addictive gameplay. However, it appears that the game’s initial momentum has not been sustainable, with the player base dwindling at an alarming rate.

According to data from Steam Charts, a website that tracks player numbers on Steam, Helldivers 2’s player base has been in freefall since its release. In June, the game peaked at around 12,000 concurrent players, but by November, that number had plummeted to just 1,200. This represents a staggering 90% decline in just five months, a rate of attrition that is rarely seen in the gaming industry.

So, what’s behind this sudden exodus of players? There are a few possible explanations. One reason could be the game’s lack of post-launch support. Despite promises of regular updates and new content, the game has received only a handful of patches since its release, with little in the way of new features or gameplay mechanics. This lack of support may have left players feeling abandoned and unenthusiastic about continuing to play.

Another possible reason for the decline is the game’s poor online multiplayer experience. Many players have reported issues with matchmaking, lag, and disconnections, making it difficult to play with friends or join public games. This has likely driven away players who were looking for a fun and seamless co-op experience.

Additionally, some players may have been turned off by the game’s aggressive monetization model. Helldivers 2 features a number of microtransactions, including cosmetic items and in-game currency, which some players may have felt were too aggressive or exploitative.

Whatever the reason, the decline of Helldivers 2’s player base is a worrying trend for the game’s developers and publishers. With player numbers dwindling so rapidly, it’s unclear whether the game will be able to sustain a viable community in the long term.

It’s worth noting that Helldivers 2 is not alone in its struggles. Many games have seen similar declines in player base over the years, and it’s a common challenge for developers to keep players engaged and interested in their games over time.

However, the speed and severity of Helldivers 2’s decline is a cause for concern, and it will be interesting to see how the game’s developers respond to this crisis. Will they be able to turn things around with new content and updates, or will Helldivers 2 become another cautionary tale of a game that failed to sustain its initial momentum? Only time will tell.